Blur-Calibration System Using Moving Multi-Target Constellation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for blur-calibration of imaging sensors, especially in cryo-vacuum conditions, are time-consuming, costly, and limited in accuracy, making it difficult to precisely measure the point-spread function (PSF) across the field-of-view (FOV) of imaging sensors.
Innovation Solution
A blur-calibration system using a moving multi-target constellation is employed, where a known target pattern is moved across the FOV, capturing frames at different pixel phases, and the image data is processed to generate high-resolution composite images. Chopper modulation is applied to separate chopper-open and chopper-closed composite images, allowing for the determination of the PSF and specification of blur shapes at various locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional blur-calibration methods are used in cryo-vacuum conditions, then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming, expensive and limited in accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a moving target pattern that translates across the sensor FOV during calibration, rather than using static targets. This dynamic approach allows multiple measurements to be captured in a single calibration sequence, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining measurement accuracy through the accumulation of multiple frame data
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses periodic modulation of the target pattern through chopper modulation, alternating between open and closed states. This periodic action enables separation of signal from background and facilitates accurate PSF measurement by creating distinct measurement phases within the calibration sequence
2Measurement precision
If conventional blur-calibration methods are used, then calibration can be performed, but the process is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of the target pattern across different spatial positions and temporal frames. By capturing the moving target pattern across multiple frames and synthesizing a high-resolution composite image, the system obtains accurate PSF measurements without requiring expensive specialized calibration equipment or multiple physical targets
3Measurement precision
If precision collimated patterns are projected to fill the sensor FOV, then PSF measurement precision is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting complex static collimated patterns, the system uses a moving target pattern that naturally fills the FOV through translation. This dynamic approach achieves full FOV coverage with simpler optics, as the target's motion provides the necessary spatial distribution without requiring complex projection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The moving target pattern serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides spatial sampling across the FOV, temporal sampling through frame sequences, and contrast modulation through chopper operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration components for each measurement dimension, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Embodiments of a system and method for blur-calibration of an imaging sensor using a moving constellation are generally described herein. In some embodiments, blur-calibration of an imaging sensor includes moving a known target pattern across the field-of view (FaV) of the imaging sensor to present the target pattern across different frames at different pixel phases. Frames of images of the moving target pattern as seen in the FaV of the imaging sensor are captured to generate image data output. The image data output may be subsequently processed to generate data products representative of a shape of a point-spread function (PSF) from a high-resolution composite image generated from the captured frames. A chopper modulation may be applied to the moving target sequence and separate chopper-open and chopper-closed composite images are created.